MAN OVERBOARD - MORE THAN LIKELY

In the latest email newsletter from Cruise News they reported a man had gone missing presumed overboard on a Carnival ship. They then advised the following:

"While falling from a cruise ship is a rare occurrence, a quick review of the Cruise News archives reveals that at least 11 passengers and crew have fallen overboard from a cruise ship since February of 2000. According to the information in our files:

- Males are much more likely to go overboard than females (9 vs. 2)
- Carnival passengers (6 incidents) are more likely to go overboard than passengers from other cruise lines...especially passengers on the Fascination (2 incidents)

- The average age of a passenger who goes overboard is 33 years old
- You are most likely to fall overboard on the last night of your cruise
- For some reason, people from Virginia go overboard more than others (3 incidents)
- Falling overboard does not necessarily mean you will die (3 people have been rescued, one after 18 hours in the water)

- Most people who fall overboard are either drunk or doing silly things (climbing on the railing or between cabin balconies)

So you are warned. I was on the Queen Mary (the original) moored in Long Beach and they had a list in the isolation ward area that listed crew and passengers that had died on the ship - quite a few were overboard although the main reason seems to have been heart attacks (a feature of the age of passengers?)

PENTHOUSE SUITES PICS - AT LAST

Suite 8184 pics! Like I said ages ago on my blog, there is a real sense of community and "group" amoung the Cunard and especially QE2 travellers. A very kind lady (Sharon) had read how I have been trying to see pictures of the Queens Grill penthouses to see what we will be in and posted a whole pile of them from here recent October cruise in 8184. Fantastic!

YAHOO GROUP: OCEAN LINER COLLECTIBLES

I came across this group on Yahoo from Howard who is going to be on the QE2 transatlantic and has given me lots of tips. This group appeals to me as I have started to try and collect Cunard brochures that cover the QE2 since it started. I have (so far) been collecting them via eBay. Maybe this group will help even more! The site is Ocean Liner Collectibles on Yahoo.

MY BOOK REVIEW: "ATTACK ON THE QUEEN"

This my review of the novel "Attack on the Queen" by Richard P. Henrick 1997 Avon Books (who also wrote the well known "Crimson Tide" .... the film version of that film had Sean Connery in the lead as a Scottish accent Russian sub commander if I recall!!).

It is described on the cover by the San Francisco Examiner as "compelling.. a fascinating geopolitical thriller".... Well I am not so sure about any of that other than the word "compelling"! For what it is, is an exciting story. If somewhat a bit heavy on body count towards the end. It tells the story of an historic summit of the world leaders who are being joined by the new President of China. It is set in a just post-cold war world where Russia is part of the world leader club - and the new Chinese President is joining them - with the suggestion he is about to embrace the new world order. Much to the concern of the "old guard thinkers". These are very well connected and manage to stage a quite spectacular hijack of a sub and also the QE2 itself.

It is not at all likely, but very engaging and a good old exciting romp and story as good battles evil. With the traditional Chinese thinkers being the enemy and really quite ruthless and nasty. I guess this book was written and published at the time when writers were looking for the new focal "enemy" post cold war.

It was one of those, I know what is going to happen in the end books that you just have to keep reading anyway as he is a great writer. One who clearly knows and loves submarines. And seems to know the QE2 pretty well too!!

MY BOOK REVIEW: "QE2: A MAGNIFICENT MILLENNIUM"

"QUEEN ELIZABETH 2: A MAGNIFICENT MILLENNIUM": GARY BUCHANAN

"Queen Elizabeth 2, A magnificent millennium" is part of what appears to be a series called "Ocean Liners Past and Present Collection: Ships", and has a "Cunard 1" on the top left corner. The book is written by Gary C Buchanan and was published in January 1996 by Past & Present Publishing.

It is a great book, although of course it is now dated as it covers the QE2 up to just post the 1994 refit. But what he has done (again like his "Dream Voyages") has used a mostly visual driven approach to drive the narrative, but was really works and is so interesting in this book is that in most cases he shows you what the room or area looked like in 1969 or close to it and then how it changed and was finally in 1994. This makes for a very interesting read, and also it is fascinating to see how tastes and fashion changed and how the QE2 evolved based on the changing needs of the traveller.

This was a really good "read" - as it is mostly looking and reading commentary on the pictures. Perfect for dipping in and out of. It would be really great to get a version updating it through to 2004/ 2005..

MY BOOK REVIEW: "DREAM VOYAGES"

"DREAM VOYAGES: CONCORDE, QE2, ORIENT-EXPRESS": GARY BUCHANAN

This is a book called "Dream Voyages: The fastest, the ultimate, the legendary Concorde, Queen Elizabeth 2, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express" written by GARY BUCHANAN, who if you search on the internet is described as travel and QE2 expert.

On Amazon.co.uk, they describe the book (published in 1989 by Jersey Artists Ltd.) as follows: "A first-hand account reflecting on present day travel aboard three luxury travel experiences. Since 1976, the author has taken 117 Concorde flights, 17 QE2 voyages - mostly lecturing on board, and 47 international Venice Simplon Orient journeys. The book includes chronologies."

The nice thing about this book (and another of his that I also have that will review separately) is that his style is very visual. The book is led by loads of photos, which he then adds light but clearly very knowledgeable and well researched. He is, in my view, very good at drawing you in with a good visual impression of the 3 travel "icons" (The QE2, Concorde and the Orient Express), and just enough text to ensure you get a good enough understanding. His passion and excitement comes through as he adds in touches like copies of menus and photos of the food too! You get the feeling that he is just as excited about his subject as those approaching them for the 1st time.

This book also covers the 3 icons that I want to make sure I do. As of writing this I have done Concorde, in less than 3 weeks will have done QE2 and so that leaves the Orient Express (which interestingly we did not book to go on our first taster cruise that got us hooked and led to us getting sold on the idea!)

MY VIDEO REVIEW: "QE2 - THE LAST GREAT LINER"

VIDEO: "The last great liner" (Castle Communications) 1995

I own 2 versions of this video. One of which is billed as a "WH Smith Exclusive Video & Book" (pictured) and then just a video version with the same cover without the "WH Smith" flag and without the book! The booklet that comes with the video is 96 pages and gives a more detailed history and lots of facts and figures, describing for example what is on each of the decks.

This video covers the history of the QE2 from conception through to refits in 1994. It is a fairly "sanitised" version of the story, and either ignores or glosses over some of the trials and tribulations in the history. It has interviews with the 1st master (Warwick) and a fairly detailed one with Master Jackson (the one who took the QE2 to the Falklands when it was requisitioned). There are then some other interviews with various historians and commentators.

The problem is that the quality of the interviews (like the other videos I have seen so far) are of very "home made" quality and style.This was the 1st video I ever saw about the QE2 and it is enjoyable and interesting, although it is now very dated but gives a good sense in 55 minutes of the ship and the inside and outside.

NEW CUNARD GROUP: QUEEN VICTORIA BUILD

I joined a new Yahoo group today. It is dedicated to discussion about the building of the new Cunard Queen Victoria ship that is due to set sail in 2007.

The group is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cunard_queen_victoria/

It has a lot of pictures of the P&O Arcadia being built in Italy (remembering that this was originally going to be the Queen Victoria). The main thread of the discussion on the group (so far) being that the ships are going to look so similar and that Cunard is losing the distinctive look since being acquired.

MY BOOK REVIEW; "QE2 - A SHIP FOR ALL SEASONS"

"QE2 - a ship for all seasons" by David F Hutchings. 1988 (Kingfisher Railway Publications).

This book has been described on various book listing sites as: "Packed with information, this excellent book provides an historical background to the QE2, records why and how she was built; and describes the alterations and the major re-engineering of the ship from steam to diesel. Included is a detailed account of the early problems affecting QE's turbines. Illustrated with nearly 100 photographs (some colour) & drawings. Deck Plans".

Is it any good?

YES.

I really enjoyed this book. The version I have is the 1988 one, and apparently there is a more recent version from the 1990s that adds in the history post the re-engineering to diesel. This book (of course) tells the same story of the QE2 - as there is only one. But he has so much more anecdotes and stories, many of them small but they add to the overall picture and you feel like you are getting so much more of an insider story. Great stuff. I recommend it!

CONDE NAST RATES CUNARD... JUST

On the Yahoo CunardShipQM2 group someone posted the fact that Conde Nast Travel had rated Cunard only 9th of the top 10 best rated cruise lines. This caused somewhat of a discussion about why Cunard did so poor - with some blaming it on the teething problems on QM2.

There was a nice summary from Richard P that summed up the QE2. He wrote:

"Although, I love the QE2 and think she's the ultimate liner, I think that she will drag down Cunard's ranking in comparison to a Celebrity for instance. She's 35 years old and built at a time of transition for the passenger shipping business. No matter how much I love QE2's quaint accommodation and all those wonderful rabbit-warrens down on 4 and 5 Decks, it's difficult to argue that those cabins can compare favourably to those on modern vessels. I may be speaking sacrilege but, most passengers who are not into the whole "ship thing," like we are, prefer modern accommodations with modern amenities -- like balconies. But, of course, the QE2 has something that most ships do not and that is ambiance. That cannot be rated in a politically motivated top ten list."

QE2 MILESTONE: LONGEST SERVING CUNARDER

A posting from MKSMith to the QE2 Group on Yahoo:

Just thought the group may find this interesting

From Southampton Echo newspaper ......................... CUNARD'S Queen Elizabeth 2 has become the longest serving express liner in the company's history after 35 years, six months and three days afloat.

QE2, took the record from the company's Aquitania, which served Cunard Line, in peace and war, from May 1914 to December 1949.

Southampton based QE2 entered service in May 1969 and has been the world's most famous ship ever since - as well as its fastest merchant vessel in operation.

Milestones are not new to QE2 - in August 2002 she completed more than five million nautical miles - a world record for any ship ever and the equivalent of sailing to the moon and back nine times, sailing around the world 230 times or sailing 1570 consecutive transatlantic crossings.

QE2 cost just over £29m to build but since then Cunard has spent more than 15 times that amount on refurbishing, re-engining and refitting her.

QE2 and her bigger sister Queen Mary 2 will be joined in Southampton docks by the new 90,000-ton Queen Victoria in summer 2007.

TICKETS ARRIVED....

How exciting. With just over 30 days to go, a courier delivered to the house 2 envelopes with these very nifty books in a plastic folder. The booklet contains everything for the crossing. great idea. In there are bound in:

- Details of the crossing and the tickets#
- Terms and Conditions
- Luggage tags pre printed. We are "yellow". We had through as we were Q2 we may be graced with GOLD or something...
- A leaflet to order stuff for people on the ship (ourselves).

It says we can check in at 1.30pm, and sails at 5pm.

GRAND OLD LADY VS. APARTMENT BLOCK SHIPS...

Further to the recent posting I have made on the state and nature of the ship, JBAILEY wrote:
"QE2 is a unique ship. When people decide to travel on her, they need to know that they cannot compare this grand old lady to a modern shiny-chrome "apartment block" cruise ship. If you are looking for perfection, you won't find it on this ship full of idiosyncrasies and quirks. You will find excellent service and gracious living and a different collection of passengers than on other ships. So, go and enjoy, and make the experience your own. There won't be too many more years to enjoy this one-of-a kind true liner."

Sounds good!

QUEENS GRILL: THE DEFENCE

RJMS74 replied to the posting I mentioned on the porr review of the QE2 November saying

"Gary B - where did you see the 'bad review of Q. Grill Rest & Cabin'? Was it on this forum? I can assure you having now travelled in a QG single cabin on 3 QE2 cruises - the last one only a few weeks ago, it is nothing like the post of above. The food in the QG Restaurant is excellent & there is a very wide choice - I have eaten in some v. good restauarants onland & worldwide & the QG Rest is still one of my all time favourites - they will literally cook anything for you off menu - I particularly enjoyed the flambeed cherries jubilee most evenings & also escargots.

Yes as jbailey says she is not a modern / appart. block style cruise ship but is more so a classic grande dame ocean liner & I saw a Q3 cabin no. 1042 and it was very well maintained and I would say luxurious with lots of wood & marble bathroom and separate closet. Even every grand hotel onland, such as the Waldorf Astoria in NYC has its faults and is showing signs of age, but it's the ambience that counts and just being on QE2 is always special!

I will admit that my cabin 2063 was a little tired,but still very comfortable & very spacious (237 sq feet) for one person!

Gary, I look forward to hearing your thoughts when you return from your Transatlantic crossing & can assure you that you will have a great time onboard -I am already planning on returning in 2005!I will try and post a review very shortly (I can also scan some of the QG menus - when I get my scanner to work again - if this would help/ pls advise your email address). Kind Regs, RJMS74

WHILE THESE PEOPLE ON THE SAME CRUISE DID....

A few minutes after reading the poor review on cruisecritic about the QE2 November trip, I found in the same site's message boards a very different view..

RJMS74: "Despite an embarkation fiasco from hell & a seven hour delay & poor weather with force 10 conditions the ship I had a great cruise with food & service in the Queens Grill 2nd to none! Cannot wait to return next year."

CUNARDQUEEN: "but in general after 9 trips and in Mauretania (steerage) the whole ship was looking great, personally it was the best cruise yet, great service all over and a great choice of food, breakfast seems to be a very busy in the lido each day, but the mauretania really excelled herself, no complaints at all....Couple of minor points, Afternoon tea in the Queens Room at sea was always packed, you need to be there before 4pm other wise forget it...In spite of the minor complaints, she's still a grand lady and can still shift when she needs to 26kts one day , bit worn at the edges, but still an incredible experience, Going back next year for cruise no 10"

So guess we just need to decide for ourselves... and in about 30 odd days we shall!

GUESS THEY DIDN'T LIKE THE QE2...

Oh dear!

This review just appeared on Cruisecritic.com from "yellowdiamond" who was in Cabin 1036 (a Q3 cabin) on a cruise in October. If correct it does not bode well for the state of the QE2. They write:

"Just returned from 19 (turned out to be 20) Med cruise in the QE 2. Visited 7 ports. Very disappointed in ship - although shore excursions were fine. Ship is very worn - needs new furniture, walls and rugs. I know she is old but that is no reason for shabby furnishings, worn rugs, filthy deck chairs, worn towels and lack of service in most public areas.

Our Q3 cabin was large but not a luxury cabin as stated. Very worn furniture, peeling walls and dirty furniture. Equal to a low price motel room.

Food in Queens Grill room very "run of the mill'. Nothing fresh or innovative. QE2 cruising is for the old British crowd, and their food likes. Maybe they appreciate overcooked mushy food and total lack of quality entertainment. People even fell asleep at Bingo and there was no service at all in the casino.

As far as the intelligence of the staff in the Pursers office - it's a laugh!! It wasn't that they were not polite - however - you could never get the same answer twice, let alone a correct answer.

Disembarkation was horrible - felt like cattle being shoved off. I will never travel on the Cunard line again"

(The reason it was 20 days by the way, is that the weather was so bad the QE2 could not get into Southampton on the day due back and had to sit out in the Channel until it improved).

We have been worried looking at various pictures etc that we may find the QE2 a bit shabby...

MY BOOK REVIEW: TRIBUTE TO A QUEEN

"TRIBUTE TO A QUEEN: CUNARD COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE": JOHN MAXTONE GRAHAM 1987

This hardcover book was written by the well known writer John Maxtone Graham, whose best known books include "The only way to cross" and "Liners in the sun". It was published by Berlitz Publications, and appears to have been given out to passengers who travelled on the QE2 on or after 27 April 1987. The date that the QE2 was re-launched after the major refit at Lloyd Werft which included the ship being turned from steam into diesel. A major transformation. This book is two thirds about the history of Cunard, and the last third about the decision to build the QE2, her Falklands time and the last 2 chapters about the refit. The book has many adverts in, which are mostly from suppliers of engines, water processing etc equipment (which I guess the suppliers felt they should - or had to do) and a few from perfume brands and one that stands out (Neutrogena) that was the only "normal" consumer brand.
An interesting book, that probably was mostly interesting as it was a commemorative souvenir and so reflects the thinking of Cunard in 1987.

ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA - AMAZING

Last weekend we were up in Edinburgh, Scotland, for a long weekend. What I had forgotten was that the Royal Yacht Britannia which had been decommissioned in 1987 was now moored at Lieth (just outside Edinburgh). Once we realised we went along. This was the most fantastic few hours I have spent for a while.

We both agreed it was one of the best "museum" or visits we can remember doing. The ship is large. It used to have a crew of 250. You get to go through pretty much the whole ship - and all the furniture is still there. You can see where the Queen, Prince Philip and other members of the Royal family slept. The amazing dining room, lounges etc. Plus see the crew quarters - which were pretty cramped and misreable compared to what the royal family get. Some fun things too like the garage on deck that houses the Rolls Royce they used to trek along with them.

Fascinating stuff.

You can see photos (only of the oustide areas as you cannot take photos inside) on my personal website: click here and also visit the offical website which does have some internal photos: Royalyachtbritannia.co.uk

MY BOOK REVIEW: "MURDER SHE WROTE: QE2"

I just had to buy this book!

I had planned to wait and read it when I was on the QE2, so that it would hopefully be more exciting as I could relate to where things were taking place. But I needed and felt like some light reading and figured this was it. And it was.

It was a fairly good story, with the usual twists and turns. Easy to read - although not the best written book in the world. It gets off to a bit of a shaky start and I almost gave up in the first chapter or two as it really felt like it was lumbering along a bit.

I think the main problem is that it is written from Jessica Fletcher's point of view (as you can tell from the picture she supposedly co-wrote it....). But we are used to WATCHING her, and see the story on the TV series as an observer and not from "inside her head". I think this book and story woudl have been better and stronger if it was written that way. You just felt at points that Jessica Fletcher would not do that or think that (she seemed, for example, a bit unkind at times for example!).

But of course the magic was it is on the QE2 and that was the fun part. The sense of imagining that it was happening.

In the story, she has been asked to lecture and also write a 3 part murder mystery play on a May trans-atlantic crossing to entertain the guests. Of course, someone gets murdered as always happens when dear old Jessica pitches up..... lots of people are connected with the person murdered to confuse and surprise, and the least expected person who we hardly hear about "did it" (as usual). So the formula is consistent.

I think that they have done a murder mystery type of serieson the QE2 like in the book. Would be fun (without the real murder of course!).

QUEEN VICTORIA: ACCORDING TO THE BUILDERS

Further to my posting about the new Cunard ship (Queen Victoria), I did find out some more from the site belonging to tnhe ship builders at fincantieri.com

You need to select ENGLISH and then look for the cruise ship link and scroll to find it.

On the page for the Queen Victoria they give the following information and statistics:

Gross tonnage Abt. : 83,000 tonnes
Length overall Abt. : 290.0 m
Length between perpendiculars : 254.0 m
Breadth moulded :32.25 m
Numbers of decks :16
Height to bulkhead deck : 10.8 m
Height to deck : 3 19.81 m
Corresponding deadweight : 7,200 tonnes
Scantling draft : 8.0 m
Maximum air draft from waterline Abt. : 54.0 m
Max speed (2x17.6 Mw at 100% el. power) Abt. : 24.0 knots
Service Speed(at 90% diesel MCR, 25% Sea Margin, one engine off) : 22.0 knots
Sea Range at 19.5 knots service speed : 18 days

Passenger Cabins

Penthouse Suites (with balcony) : 2
Passenger Suites (with balcony) : 35
Passenger Mini Suites : 30
Passenger de-luxe cabins (with balcony) : 609
Passenger standard cabins (outside) : 173
Passenger large cabins (inside) : 39
Passenger standard cabins (inside) : 97
Total cabins : 984
Outside cabins ratio : 86,2 %

Passenger and Crew Capacity

Maximum passenger capacity : 2534
Pullman/Sofa extrabeds : 2534
Crew cabins : 478
Maximum crew capacity : 866
Maximum on board : 3,400